Open house to detail firefighting efforts

BONNERS FERRY — An open house detailing efforts to fight the Kootenai River Complex fires is being held today.

The event will be held from 5-7 p.m. at the Kootenai Wildlife Refuge barn. There will be no formal presentation and residents are invited to stop by, look at maps and talk to representatives from the fire management team, the Bonners Ferry Ranger District and local government.  

"This time of year, fire activity is significantly reduced due to shorter days, lower temperatures and higher daytime humidity," officials said. "However, a season-ending event has not yet occurred, and fire remains on the landscape."

That means residents can expect to see continued smoke until the snow falls or significant rain occurs, Bonners Ferry Ranger District officials said.

"Still, with decreased fire behavior, the threat is much less than it was earlier in the season," officials said.

In areas around properties where the threat is much lower, like those with cold burned areas around them, crews are assessing where structure protection equipment can be taken down. However, pumps and hoses will remain around properties that could still be impacted.

"Firefighters will stay in the area and continue strengthening firelines, testing pumps and hoses still set up, and cooling the fire's edge where they can access it," officials said.

The fire, which has burned an estimated 22,559 acres, was sparked by lightning strikes in mid-August. There are now 91 fire personnel assigned to the fire, which is being managed by a BFRD Type 3 crew.

Officials urged caution when traveling on the Westside Road, which remains closed to all but residents of the area and fire crews.

The Long Canyon and Katka fires remain unstaffed and are being monitored from the air. On Sunday, a helicopter dropped water on the southern end of the Russell Mountain Fire to keep the fire's edge in check, officials said.

Crews are working on a fuel break from Farnham Creek to Trout Creek to strengthen existing heavy equipment lines. In addition, handline where firefighters were connecting the dozer line has been completed.

Diamond Watch Fire

Crews are keeping an eye on the leading edge of the Diamond Watch Fire as as it approaches FS road 308. Efforts are being taken to keep the fire from crossing roads on the south, east, west of the fire as well as at Diamond Creek on the north edge of the fire, officials said.

The Diamond Watch Fire is 60% contained, fire officials said in a press release.

Since started by a lightning strike in mid-July, the Diamond Watch Fire has burned 1,220 acres. Located 5.5 miles due west of Nordman, the fire has 16 fire personnel assigned to the fire.

Columbus and Bear Gulch fires

The Columbus Fire, started by a lightning strike in August, is straddling the Idaho/Montana corner near the Columbus Creek drainage.

Located 6 miles northeast of Murray, the fire has burned 2,298 acres and is 0% contained.

Located 6 miles east of Murray, the Bear Gulch Fire has burned 144 acres since being sparked by lightning in mid-August. The fire is within a mile of the Idaho/Montana border with terrain similar to the nearby Columbus Fire.

Fire officials expect containment of the fire by the end of October.

Closure, evacuations and information

• On the Kootenai River Complex, the following Forest Service trails and roads are closed: Ball Creek Road (FR 432), Trout Creek Road (FR 634), Russell Mountain (No. 12), Russell Ridge (No. 92), Ball and Pyramid Lakes (No. 43), Pyramid Pass (No. 13), Pyramid Peak (No. 7), Fisher Peak (No. 27), Trout Lake (No. 41), McGinty Ridge (No. 143), Clifty Mountain and Clifty/Burrow (No. 182), Myrtle Peak Trail (No. 286), and Burton Peak Trail (No. 9). Westside Road is limited to residents only.

• On the Diamond Watch Fire, closure orders are in effect for Forest Service roads 311, 308, and 1362H in the vicinity of the fire. However, FSR 1362 remains open. Petit Lake and is associated campsites are within the closure area.

Some camping areas along the southwest portion of Sullivan Creek Road have been notified that they are on a “set” be ready evacuation status and should be ready to leave if asked by local authorities.

• On the Coeur d'Alene Ranger District, closures include Trail 148 along Casper Creek, Trail 7 from the intersection with Trail 774 to Thompson Pass, Trail 1107 near the state line, Trail 763 near the state line, Forest Service Road 938, FSR 430 and FSR 604CZ.

• All methods of travel are prohibited (foot, mechanized, motorized and stock) on the closed roads and area.

• A temporary flight restriction is in place on the Katka Fire as well as on Scotch Creek, Russell Mountain, Eneas Peak and Trout fires. As a reminder, civilian drones are not allowed around active fires. Flying drones near an emergency scene is against the law and forces fire crews to ground their flights.

Information: InciWeb.nwcg.gov